His whole life was now summed up in two words: absolute uncertainty within an impenetrable fog.

Profound hearts, wise minds, take life as God makes it; it is a long trial, and unintelligible preparation for the unknown destiny.

One cannot be a good historian of the outward, visible world without giving some thought to the hidden, private life of ordinary people; and on the other hand one cannot be a good historian of this inner life without taking into account outward events where these are relevant.

Marius was of the temperament that sinks into grief and remains there; Cosette was of the sort that plunges in and comes out again.

How did it happen that their lips came together? How does it happen that birds sing, that snow melts, that the rose unfolds, that the dawn whitens behind the stark shapes of trees on the quivering summit of the hill? A kiss, and all was said.

I would rather be the head of a fly than the tail of a lion.

There are fathers who do not love their children; there is no grandfather who does not adore his grandson.